Color card, color book comprising the same, and color card with picture sample

ABSTRACT

A color card showing at least three color samples is provided. Among the color samples, a light color sample expressing a light color tone occupies a larger space than samples expressing the other color tones. A deep color sample expressing a deep color tone in the color card is arranged on one side of the light color sample, and a neutral color sample expressing a neutral color tone which stands between the light and deep color tones is arranged on the other side. Use of such a color card allows the user to roughly select a color card showing a color tone suited for being applied to an object to be painted from a plurality of color cards based on their light color samples, and then select one of color tones shown in the selected color card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

i) Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates to color cards which show color tones obtainedfrom paints for painting structures like buildings, and which are forselection of desired colors. This invention also relates to color bookscomprising such color cards, and color cards with picture samples.

ii) Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, color cards and color books comprising the same havebeen used for presentation and selection of color tones which showcolors of paints after dried. In most cases, colors in the color cardsare specified numerically and symbolically by the Munsell color systemor the like, and the color samples are arranged according to the givennumeric order.

The Munsell color system identifies colors by three attributes: hue,value and chroma, and provides numerical scales for the respectiveattributes. These attributes are given symbols, and colors are expressedwith these symbols and numerals. Such notation of colors enables us toselect a specific color to a certain degree of accuracy by the symboland numeral. In other words, it is possible to specify a color to acertain degree of accuracy if the symbol and numeral applied to thecolor are known.

The notation allows us to definitely specify colors and eliminatesambiguity in expressing color tones. Colors can be distinguishedappropriately without individual variation.

The color cards and color books which comprise colors with such notationare advantageous in specifying colors. However, we sometimes find itdifficult to choose desired colors from such color cards and colorbooks. This is because, in the color cards and color books, the colorsare arranged simply in their numerical order, and so many color tonesare listed to show even a subtle distinction of colors, like in deepnessand lightness of color.

Furthermore, when applying two or more colors to an object to be paintedor when selecting a color in view of the neighboring objects, it isdifficult for us to find which combination of colors may offer a betterimpression of unity and appears well-organized if the aforementionedcolor cards and color books are used. In other words, each color istreated as a single color in the conventional color cards and colorbooks. Thus, the number of colors tends to grow and there is noconsideration for unity between the colors. Since the colors are onlyarranged according to the numerical order and are not classified byimpressions received from the colors, similar color tones are arrangednext to each other, making it difficult for us to choose desired colorswith accuracy.

Furthermore, in the conventional color cards, color selection for theinterior or exterior of buildings, interior furnishings, decoration, oroutdoor structures, etc. was performed relying on sensitivity of achooser. Therefore, selecting harmonious colors was, in some cases,difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide color cards that allowthe user to roughly select a color card showing a color tone suited forbeing applied to an object to be painted based on the lightest colortones in the respective color cards, and to select one of color tonesshown in the selected color card.

Another object of the present invention is to provide color cards thatallow the user to select one color card based on one of basic, auxiliaryand emphatic color samples in the respective color cards, and to easilyselect two or more colors from the plurality of color samples in theselected color card.

Further object of the present invention is to provide color cards thatallow the user to easily select a color in view of colors of theneighboring objects so that the colors of the neighboring objects andthe object to be painted have unity and are well-organized.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide aharmoniously colored picture and the colors which constitute the coloredpicture so that it is easy for the user to select a combination ofcolors, upon color planning for an object to be painted.

In order to attain the above objects, one aspect of the presentinvention provides a color card which comprises at least three colorsamples, and among the color samples, a light color sample expressingthe lightest color occupies a larger space than the color samplesexpressing the other colors.

By providing plural number of such color cards, the user can roughlyselect a color card showing a color tone suited for being applied to anobject to be painted based on the light color samples and then selectone of the color samples shown in the selected color card.

It is preferable that a deep color sample expressing the deepest coloris arranged on one side of the light color sample, and a neutral colorsample expressing a neutral color which stands between the light colorsample and the deep color sample on the other side thereof, in theaforementioned color card.

Such a color card provides a simple manner of comparison between thelight color sample and the other color samples, and makes it easy forthe user to select a color which matches an image.

One color card may comprise a plurality of deep color samples and/orneutral color samples, which respectively constitute a deep colordisplay portion on one side of a light color sample and/or a neutralcolor display portion on the other side of the light color sample. Thelight color sample occupies a larger space than the color samplesexpressing the other colors. The deep and/or neutral color samplesexpress deeper colors in the respective color display portions as theyare farther from the light color sample.

Use of the aforementioned color card allows indication of many colortones in one color card. The user can roughly select one color card fromthe plurality of color cards based on the light color samples, and thenselect a deeper color tone which matches an image in the selected colorcard.

A color book of the present invention comprises a plurality of colorcards as mentioned above. This color book is easy to carry, and expandsa range of choices for colors.

It is preferable that the plurality of color cards are classified intogroups by impressions received from one of colors of the light, deep andneutral color samples in the respective color cards.

The color book as mentioned above allows the user to select a group ofcolor cards according to the impression received from an imaged colortone, thus expedites selection of a color.

It is preferable that the color book is a collection of a plurality ofgrouped color books.

Use of such color books helps the user to narrow down color tones to acertain degree by the impression even if the user does not have aparticular image in mind beforehand. The user can select a group atfirst, then roughly select one color card based on the plurality oflight color samples, and finally select one of colors which matches theimage from the color tones shown in the selected color card in anefficient and appropriate manner.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a color card comprisingat least three color samples. The at least three color samples include abasic color sample expressing a basic color, an auxiliary color sampleexpressing an auxiliary color and an emphatic color sample expressing anemphatic color. The basic color is a key color of the color card. Theauxiliary color is a color that introduces changes to the basic color.The emphatic color is a color that can strengthen the overall impressionof the color card. One color card may comprise one or more samples forthe aforementioned respective color samples. The basic color sampleexpressing the basic color occupies a larger space than the samplesexpressing the other colors. The emphatic color sample expressing theemphatic color occupies the smallest space.

By providing a plurality of the aforementioned color cards, the user canselect a color card based on one of the basic, auxiliary and emphaticcolor samples, and then select two or more colors from a plurality ofcolor samples in the selected color card or select a color which may bein line with the neighboring objects of an object to be painted.Accordingly, unity is produced between the two or more colors or thecolors of the neighboring objects and the object to be painted.

It is preferable that the basic, auxiliary and emphatic color samplesare arranged side by side in the color card. The basic color sample isarranged in the middle part of the color card, the auxiliary colorsample is arranged on one side of the basic color sample, and theemphatic color sample is arranged on the other side of the basic colorsample.

The color card as above allows the user to view the auxiliary andemphatic colors corresponding to the basic color, and select colorswhich are well-organized in connection with the basic color.

It is preferable that the color card comprises one basic color sample,and two or more of the respective auxiliary and emphatic color samples.

Then, it is possible to obtain an attractive and well-organized colorcard comprising many samples which are nicely arranged based on thebasic color sample.

It is preferable that the basic, auxiliary and emphatic color sampleshave the same hue but different brightness and/or saturation. Such acolor card is much more superior in unity.

It is preferable that a color book of the present invention comprises aplurality of the aforementioned color cards. This color book offers theuser a wide range of choices for colors.

It is preferable that the color cards in the color book are classifiedinto groups by impression received from one of colors of their basic,auxiliary and emphatic color samples.

The color book as mentioned above allows the user to select a group ofcolor cards according to a color imaged in advance, thus expeditesselection of colors.

It is preferable that the color book is a collection of a plurality ofgrouped color books.

Use of such color books helps the user to narrow down colors to acertain degree by the impression even if the user does not have aparticular image in mind beforehand. The user can select a group atfirst, then roughly select one color card based on the plurality oflight color samples, and finally select one of colors which matches theimage from the color tones shown in the selected color card in anefficient and appropriate manner.

Further another aspect of the present invention provides a color cardcomprising a colored picture and a plurality of painted samplescorresponding to a plurality of colors which constitute the coloredpicture.

This color card is advantageous in that the colored picture helps theuser to select harmonious colors, compared to the conventional colorcard that only shows painted samples by a color system order.

It is preferable that the colored picture depicts nature, figures,artificial objects, or combination of the foregoing. Such pictures arefamiliar and strike the right chord.

It is also preferable that the colored picture is a photo. The user canfind such a picture more particular and familiar. This helps the user toselect colors.

It is preferable that the painted samples express basic, auxiliary andemphatic colors. These painted samples produce variation as well asharmony in colors.

A color book in the present aspect of the invention may comprise pluralsets of colored picture and plurality of painted samples arranged in asheet of cardboard or a series of cardboards. This color book is easy tocarry, bringing the plurality of color samples together, and simplifiesa comparative review of color combination.

It is preferable that basic colors of the colored pictures in the colorbook have the similar color tones.

The painted samples classified by the colors, seasons in a year, etc.can be arranged in a sheet of cardboard or a series of cardboards. It iseasy for the user to select colors based on the grouped color books.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of examples, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a color card according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a color card according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a color card according to the firstembodiment in which a deep color display portion and a light colordisplay portion are formed;

FIG. 4 illustrates a color book comprising a plurality of color cardsshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a color card according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a color card according to the secondembodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a color card according to thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a color book comprising a plurality of color cardsshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a color card according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a color card according to a first modificationof the third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a color card according to a secondmodification of the third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a color book according to a third modificationof the third embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a color book according to the thirdembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT First Embodiment

The present embodiment provides a color card showing at least threecolor samples side by side. Among the color samples, a light colorsample expressing the lightest color tone occupies a larger space thanthe color samples expressing the other color tones.

This color card is used for selecting and checking the color tone ofpaint after dried. In other words, it is for selecting and checking thecolor tone obtained by coating an object with paint.

It is not necessary to show plural color tones in one color card whenchecking whether the obtained color is the same as the color selectedbefore coating. However, assuming that selection of a color tone isperformed before the coating, if the color card shows only one colorsample, a large number of color cards are required compared to a case inwhich one color card shows a plurality of color samples.

The color card described in the present embodiment is mainly forselecting a color tone before coating. Therefore, it is preferable thatthe color card comprises a plurality of color samples and it isnecessary that at least three color samples are shown in one color card.By providing at least three color samples, it is possible to show colorswith the same hue but different brightness. In other words, it ispossible to show deep, light and neutral colors with the same hue in onecolor card.

The color, for example, is expressed by hue, brightness and saturation.The hue represents difference in colors such as red, blue and yellow.The color having no color is called achromatic color. The examples ofthe achromatic color are white, black and gray. The color having a colorlike red, blue, yellow, etc. is called chromatic color.

Principally, the difference between lightness and deepness in color isaffected by the brightness and saturation. The brightness represents howstrong the color is, and the saturation represents how pure the coloris. A color tone with low brightness is blackish, and a color tone withhigh brightness is whitish. A color tone with low saturation is somber,and a color tone with high saturation is vivid.

The impression of a color may be represented by a color tone, which isgenerated by joining concepts of brightness and saturation. The colortone is varied as the brightness and saturation are modified. The colortone largely affects deepness and lightness in color.

In the present embodiment, a color is firstly distinguished by the levelof brightness. A color with low brightness is regarded as a deep color.A color with high brightness is regarded as a light color. In case thatthere are colors with the same level of brightness, the level ofsaturation is used for distinction. That is, a color with low saturationis regarded as a deep color, and a color with high saturation isregarded as a light color.

When creating a color card, the number of colors to be shown in onecolor card must be determined. Among the colors to be shown, a colorwith the highest brightness is set to be a light color sample, and acolor with the lowest brightness is set to be a deep color sample. Incase that there are colors with the same brightness, a color with thelowest saturation is set to be a deep color sample, and a color with thehighest saturation is set to be a light color sample. The neutral coloris set to be a neutral color sample. The neutral color sample can bearbitrarily set as long as it has the color tone standing between thelight color sample and the deep color sample.

Among the plurality of the color samples shown in one color card, thelight color sample expressing the lightest color occupies a larger spacethan the color samples expressing the other colors. Accordingly,accurate selection of a color which matches a desired image is possible.In other words, the user can roughly choose one color card showing acolor tone which is close to the image based on the light color samplesat first. Then, the user chooses one of color tones in the selectedcolor card which appears to be the closest to the image.

Comparison between the color tones can be easy if selection of a colortone close to the image is performed based on the deep color samples.However, in most cases, it is difficult to select a lighter color tonethan the selected one, when a deep color which makes a strong impressionis chosen at first. On the contrary, if a color tone close to the imageis selected based on the light color samples, a range of choices forcolors is expanded, while it may become a little difficult todistinguish the difference between the color tones. This is because itis easier to distinguish deep colors than light colors.

There is an advantage to select a color tone close to a desired imagebased on the light color samples, since in many cases, a light color ispreferred for use in structures like buildings in view of thesurrounding environment.

In addition, among the plural color samples shown in the color card, thelight color sample compares poorly with the deep and neutral colorsamples since it is likely to be affected by the other colors due to thelightness in color tone. Therefore, it is difficult to select a lightcolor sample. Relatively expanding the space for the light color samplein the color card can prevent the light color from being substantiallyaffected by the colors of the other color samples.

It is further preferable that the space for the neutral color sample islarger than the space for the deep color sample. This helps creating acolor card in which the neutral color is less affected by the deepcolor.

When selecting a color, it is preferable to select a color tone which isdeeper than the color tone to be applied to a building, etc., by aboutone level. This is because when applying a color tone to a large spacein the building, etc., the selected color tone appears to be lighterthan the same color tone shown in a small space like a color sample.

Now, the color card of the present embodiment is explained in detail byway of drawings.

It is preferable that the color card of the present embodiment is in arectangular form. This rectangular form enhances efficiency in creation,storage, and transport of the color card. A color sample can take anyforms, but a rectangular form is preferred. The rectangular colorsamples clarify how much space is occupied by the respective colorsamples. Also, they can be arranged on the rectangular color card in anefficient manner.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which rectangular color samples are arrangedon a rectangular color card. In the middle part of the color card 11, alight color sample 12 having a larger space than the other color samplesis arranged. On one side of the light color sample 12, a deep colorsample 13 is arranged, and on the other side thereof, a neutral colorsample 14 expressing a neutral color between the light color and thedeep color is arranged. The neutral color sample 14 occupies a largerspace than the deep color sample 13.

Plural color cards 11 are provided. Firstly, the user roughly choosesone color card 11 including a color tone which is close to an imagebased on the light color samples 12 having a larger space. There are atleast three color samples in the selected color card 11, that is, deepcolor sample 13, neutral color sample 14 and light color sample 12, outof which a color which matches the image is chosen.

The arrangement of the color samples is not limited to the one shown inFIG. 1, and arrangement as shown in FIG. 2 is also possible, as long asthe light color sample 12 is arranged in the middle part. In thismanner, comparison between the light color sample and the other colorsamples may be performed simple, allowing the user to easily select acolor which matches the image.

It is preferable to provide a gap 15 between the respective colorsamples. Provision of the gap 15 clarifies the boundaries between therespective color samples, and allows the user to easily distinguishdifferent colors displayed in the color card. The color of the gap 15can be any color, as long as it is not a color which appears on the samecolor card. White, which has no lightness and deepness in color, ispreferred. Transparent color can be used as well.

It is preferable to provide a blank part 16 in an end of the color card.The blank part 16 in the end can be used as a part to be touched byhand. Thereby, it is possible to handle the color cards without touchingthe color samples in the color cards. Frequent touches to the colorcards may dirty the color samples and cause changes in colors.

The blank part 16 can be useful when binding plural number of colorcards. By using the blank part 16 as a binding margin of the colorcards, binding the color cards without damaging the color samples can beachieved.

It is preferable that there are at least two such blank parts 16. Then,one of the blank parts 16 can be used for creating a color book whichbinds plural number of color cards, while the other of the blank parts16 is used for handling the color cards.

FIG. 3 shows a color card comprising a deep color display portion 17 anda neutral color display portion 18, in which deep color samples 13 a-13c and neutral color samples 14 a-14 c are respectively arranged.

A color sample expressing the lightest color among seven colors shown inthis color card is set to be a light color sample 12. The color sampleexpressing the deepest color is set to be the deep color sample 13 c,and the color sample expressing a neutral color is set to be the neutralcolor sample 14 c. The neutral color sample 14 c and the colors standbetween the neutral color sample 14 c and the light color sample 12 arearranged in the neutral color display portion 18. The colors standingbetween the neutral color sample 14 c and the light color sample 12 arereferred to as neutral color samples 14 a and 14 b. The deep colorsample 13 c and the colors stand between the deep color 13 c and theneutral color sample 14 c are arranged in the deep color display portion17. The colors standing between the deep color sample 13 c and theneutral color sample 14 c are referred to as deep color samples 13 a and13 b.

The deep color display portion 17 comprises three color samples of thedeep color samples 13 a-13 c. Among the three color samples, the deepcolor sample 13 a adjacent to one side of the light color sample 12expresses the lightest color in the deep color samples 13 a-13 c insidethe deep color display portion 17.

The color expressed by the deep color sample 13 b adjacent to the deepcolor sample 13 a is deeper than the color of the deep color sample 13 aand lighter than the color of the deep color sample 13 c. The deep colorsample 13 c has the deepest color in the deep color samples 13 a-13 c.That is, in the deep color display portion 17, the farther from thelight color sample 12, the deeper the color of the deep color samples 13a-13 c.

The neutral color display portion 18 comprises three color samples ofthe neutral color samples 14 a-14 c. Among the three color samples, theneutral color sample 14 a adjacent to the other side of the light colorsample 12 expresses the lightest color in the neutral color samples 14a-14 c inside the neutral color display portion 18.

The color expressed by the neutral color sample 14 b adjacent to theneutral color sample 14 a is deeper than the color of the neutral colorsample 14 a and lighter than the color of the neutral color sample 14 c.The neutral color sample 14 c has the deepest color in the neutral colorsamples 14 a-14 c. That is, in the neutral color display portion 18, thefarther from the light color sample 12, the deeper the color of theneutral color samples 14 a-14 c.

In the color card 11 shown in FIG. 3, the deep color samples expressingdeep colors are arranged on one side of the light color sample 12, andthe neutral color samples expressing neutral colors between the lightcolor and the deep color are arranged on the other side thereof. Thelight color sample 12 occupies a larger space than the other colorsamples. There are plural number of deep color samples 13 a-13 c andneutral color samples 14 a-14 c, which constitute the deep color displayportion 17 and neutral color display portion 18, respectively. Thefarther from the corresponding side of the light color sample, thedeeper the color inside the respective deep color display portion 17 andneutral color display portion 18. This means that the colors expressedby the color samples become gradually deep toward the ends from themiddle part of the color card 11 where there is the light color sample12. Such a color card is eye-friendly, and prevents redundancy of thecolor samples.

With the color card mentioned as above, it is possible to show pluralcolor tones on one color card.

In addition, the user can roughly choose a color card 11 including acolor tone which is close to the image out of the plural color cards 11,based on the light color samples 12 with the largest space at first.Then, the user can select a deeper color tone than the color toneexpressed by the light color sample 12 in the color card 11 in turn.Thereby, appropriate selection of the color which matches the image canbe achieved.

FIG. 4 shows a color book comprising a plurality of color cards 11 inFIG. 3.

This color book comprises the color cards 11 bound by a stopper 19. Sucha color book enhances portability of plural color cards and also allowseasy selection of a color from plural color tones.

In the color book shown in FIG. 4, the stopper 19 is positionedapproximately in the middle of the blank part 16 in one end of the colorcard. The stopper 19 can be positioned anywhere as long as it is withinthe blank part 16. Thereby, the color samples are prevented from damageswhich may result from the binding.

In addition, binding at one position allows the color cards 11 to fanout as shown in FIG. 4. Viewing of the color cards becomes easy, and themanner of color selection is simplified.

It is preferable that the color cards which constitute a color book areclassified into groups by impressions received from the colors indicatedby one of the light color samples, deep color samples and neutral colorsamples.

Such grouping may expedite color selection. This grouping can beperformed, for example, per types of hues such as red, blue, etc., peratmospheres created by the colors such as natural, modern, classic,etc., or per brightness in color tones such as neutral, somber, bright,etc.

Providing a color book comprising color cards grouped per impressionsreceived from colors as above allows the user to select a color by theimpression received from an imaged color tone and expedites colorselection.

It is further preferable that a color book is a collection of theaforementioned grouped color cards. Such a color book is advantageous tothe user who has no specifically imaged color tone. Since more colortones are collected and grouped per impressions, the user can firstselect a group to narrow down the color tones by the impressions,roughly select one color card based on the light color samples in thecolor cards in the selected group, and then select a color from thecolor samples in the selected color card.

The above grouped color books, for example, may be in the form of onecolor book binding the respective grouped color books with a stopper orthe like, or may be packed into a container all together. The user canarbitrarily choose a preferred form.

Second Embodiment

The present embodiment provides a color card displaying at least threecolor samples side by side; The color samples express a basic colorwhich is a key color of the color card, an auxiliary color which canintroduce changes to the basic color and an emphatic color which canstrengthen the impression of the overall color card. The color cardcomprises one or more of the respective color samples. The basic colorsample expressing a basic color occupies a larger space than the colorsamples expressing the other colors. The space occupied by the emphaticcolor sample is the smallest.

Similar to the color card in the previous embodiment, the color carddescribed in the present embodiment is mainly for selecting a color tonebefore coating. Therefore, it is preferable that the color cardcomprises a plurality of color samples and it is necessary that at leastthree color samples (basic color, auxiliary color and emphatic color)are shown in one color card. By arranging at least three color samples,it is possible for one color card to offer the impression of unity andcomfort.

The basic color is a key color of a color card. According to the basiccolor, later described auxiliary color and emphatic color aredetermined. The basic color is important, by which the impression orimage of the overall color card is determined.

The basic colors of the color cards are generally determined dependingon the type or use of an object to be painted. Since this color card ismainly for selecting a color obtained after painting external walls,internal walls, ceilings, etc. of structures such as buildings, it ispreferable that the basic colors are comfortable colors generallyapplied to buildings.

The colors generally applied to buildings are in many cases light. Ifdeep colors or primary colors like red or blue are applied to theexternal walls of buildings, it is difficult to bring the buildings intoline with the surrounding environment. Therefore, such colors are hardlyapplied. Similarly, even if such colors are used on the internal wallsor ceilings, there is not much furniture which matches up well. Thespace created by such walls or ceilings may be too dark or too bright,and it is not comfortable. Accordingly, it is preferable that the basiccolors are light.

The auxiliary color is a different color from the basic color. Theauxiliary color can introduce changes to the basic color, and isdetermined according to the basic color. For example, if the basic coloris a light color, the auxiliary color may be a deeper or darker colorthan the basic color. On the contrary, if the basic color is a deepcolor, the auxiliary color may be a lighter or brighter color than thebasic color.

It is preferable that the auxiliary color has the same hue as or has aclose hue to the basic color. Adopting such hues can produce unity in acolor card.

The emphatic color is a color different from the basic color and theauxiliary color. The emphatic color is a color that strengthens theimpression of the overall color card. The emphatic color is determinedbased on the basic color and the auxiliary color.

This emphatic color is used to put the accent in the color card.Therefore, if the basic color in the color card is a light color, theemphatic color may be a color deeper or darker than the basic color andthe auxiliary color. On the contrary, if the basic color in the colorcard is a deep color, the emphatic color may be a color lighter orbrighter than the basic color and the auxiliary color. Furthermore, theemphatic color may be a contrastive color to the basic color and theauxiliary color.

It is further preferable that the basic color sample, auxiliary colorsample and emphatic color sample have the same hue, but have differentbrightness and saturation. The definition of the terms: hue, brightnessand saturation has been made in the previous embodiment. Therefore,explanation of these terms is not repeated. In case that the basic colorsample, auxiliary color sample and emphatic color sample with differenthues are combined, the resultant color card may appear to lack unity.However, if the respective color samples have the same hues butdifferent brightness, saturation or color tone, the resultant color cardwill appear well-organized.

A color card may comprise one or more colors of the respective basic,auxiliary and emphatic colors as described above.

However, if there is more than one basic color, it is necessary toprovide the auxiliary and emphatic colors corresponding to therespective basic colors. This may result in complicated arrangement ofthe color samples in one color card, and selection of a color becomesdifficult.

For this purpose, it is preferable that one color card comprises onlyone basic color sample, and at least two auxiliary and emphatic colorsamples, respectively, corresponding to the basic color. By providing aplurality of auxiliary and emphatic colors for one basic color, it ispossible to obtain a color card in which plural color samples are nicelyarranged with unity, based on the basic color.

It is preferable that the number of the respective auxiliary andemphatic colors to one basic color is two or more. Since selection of acolor is likely to be difficult if there are too many auxiliary andemphatic color samples, the number of the respective auxiliary andemphatic color samples is preferably in a range of 2-5. Selection of acolor is easy if the number of color samples falls within this range.

This basic color is a key color of the color card. It generally occupiesthe most part of an object to be painted. Therefore, it is necessarythat a space of the basic color sample expressing the basic color islarger than spaces of the color samples expressing the other colors inthe color card. In addition, the emphatic color which is used forputting the accent in the color card generally occupies a small part inthe object to be painted. Therefore, it has the smallest space among thecolor samples of the color card.

The color offers a different impression depending on the space in whichit is used. That is, a bright, vivid color is likely to make a brighterand more vivid impression as the space used becomes large, and a dark,somber color is likely to make a darker and more somber impression asthe space used becomes large.

Accordingly, it is necessary that the space of the basic color sampleexpressing the basic color is larger than the spaces of the colorsamples expressing the other colors in the color card. Thereby, it ispossible to make the impression of the basic color similar to theimpression which may be received after the object to be painted isactually given color.

Since the basic color sample occupies a larger space than the colorsamples expressing the other samples among the plural color samplesshown in the color card, it is possible for the user to properly choosea color which will take the most part of the object to be painted andwhich matches the desired image, without being affected by the colors ofthe other color samples.

Since colors to be adopted for use in buildings are in many cases lightcolors, the basic colors in the color cards will be also light colors.In other words, the color samples other than the basic colors are to bedeeper colors than the basic colors.

In this case, the lightest color in the plural color samples shown inthe color card is the basic color. The light-colored basic color samplemay be affected by the colors of the other color samples, and it maycompares poorly. Relatively expanding the space of the basic colorsample in the color card can prevent the basic color from being affectedfrom the colors of the other color samples.

The auxiliary color is a different color from the basic color asdescribed in the above. It is a color that can introduce changes to thebasic color. In other words, it is a color that gives changes in colorto an object painted or to be painted with the basic color.

The auxiliary color is to occupy a smaller space in the object than thebasic color. Accordingly, it is necessary that the auxiliary colorsample in the color card is relatively small to the basic color sample.

In addition, the auxiliary color generally has a deeper or darker colortone than the basic color. Therefore, in order to reduce the effect onthe basic color and not to compare favorably, it is necessary that theauxiliary color sample occupies a smaller space than the basic color.

The emphatic color is a color different from the basic color and theauxiliary color as described above. It is a color that strengthens theimpression of the overall color card. Similar to the auxiliary color,the emphatic color is a color that puts an accent on the object paintedor to be painted with the basic color.

The emphatic color is to occupy a smaller space in the object than thebasic color or the auxiliary color. Thereby, it is necessary that theemphatic color sample in the color card is smaller than the basic andauxiliary color samples. That is, it occupies the smallest space amongthe color samples in the color card.

The emphatic color generally has a deeper or darker color tone than thebasic or auxiliary color. Therefore, in order to reduce the effect onthe basic color and the auxiliary color and not to compare favorably, itis necessary that the emphatic color sample occupies a smaller spacethan the basic and auxiliary colors.

The basic color sample, auxiliary color sample and emphatic color samplein the aforementioned color card allow the colors of the object to bepainted, or of the object and the neighboring object, to bewell-organized.

The basic color occupies or is to occupy 50-80% in the object to bepainted or in a space where the object is settled. The auxiliary coloroccupies 15-35%, and the emphatic color occupies 5-15% in the object tobe painted or in a space where the object is settled.

Taking the exterior of a building for instance, and assuming that thebasic color is represented by the color of the external walls, theauxiliary colors may correspond to the colors of fittings like windowframes, doors, eaves or roofs, and the emphatic colors may correspond tothe colors of gates and fences. Or, the external walls may be composedof the basic and auxiliary colors within the aforementioned range, andthe emphatic colors may be used to the fittings like window frames,doors, eaves and roofs.

Considering the exterior of the building in a space, the color in thenature such as the sky and ocean, or the color of the neighboringstructure may represent the basic color. The color of the external wallsof the building may be selected from the auxiliary colors, and theemphatic colors may be used as the colors of the gates and fences.

In case of the interior of the building or car and train where there isa living space, the basic color may be used for the walls and ceilings,the auxiliary colors may be used for the furniture like chairs andelectric appliance, and the emphatic colors may be used for the interiorgoods.

The use of the color card is not limited to selection of colors forbuildings and living spaces. For example, taking a car for instance, thebasic color may be used for the body, the auxiliary color may be usedfor the bumper, and the emphatic color may be used for the portionaround the windows at choice. In case of a chair, the basic color may beused for the seat and back, the color of the arms may be chosen from theauxiliary colors, and the color of the legs may be chosen from theemphatic colors.

Now, arrangement of the basic, auxiliary and emphatic color samples inthe color card of the present embodiment is described in detail by wayof drawings.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of a color card according to the presentembodiment, which is referred to as color card 111. The color card 111comprises three color samples, namely, basic color sample expressing abasic color, auxiliary color sample expressing an auxiliary color andemphatic color sample expressing an emphatic color, respectively. Thebasic color sample 112 expressing the basic color occupies a largerspace than the color samples expressing the other colors. The emphaticcolor sample 114 expressing the emphatic color occupies the smallestspace.

It is preferable that the color card of the present embodiment is in arectangular form. This rectangular form enhances efficiency in creation,storage, and transport of the color card. A color sample can take anyforms, but a rectangular form is preferred. The rectangular colorsamples clarify how much space is occupied by the respective colorsamples. Also, they can be arranged on the rectangular color card in anefficient manner.

The color card shown in FIG. 5 comprises a basic color sample 112, anauxiliary color sample 113 and an emphatic color sample 114 arrangedside by side. The basic color sample 112 is arranged in the middleportion of the color card 111. The auxiliary color sample 113 isarranged on one side of the light color sample, and the emphatic colorsample 114 is arranged on the other side thereof. By arranging the basiccolor in the middle part of the color card, it is possible to select theauxiliary and emphatic colors corresponding to the basic color.Therefore, selection of harmonious colors is possible.

It is preferable to provide a gap 115 between the respective colorsamples. Provision of the gap 115 clarifies the boundaries between therespective color samples, and allows the user to easily distinguishdifferent colors displayed in the color card. The color of the gap 115can be any color, as long as it is not a color which appears on the samecolor card. White, which has no lightness and deepness in color, ispreferred. Transparent color can be used as well.

It is preferable to provide a blank part 116 in an end of the colorcard. The blank part 116 in the end can be used as a part to be touchedby hand. Thereby, it is possible to handle the color cards withouttouching the color samples in the color cards. Frequent touches to thecolor cards may dirty the color samples and cause changes in colors.

The blank part 116 can be useful when binding plural number of colorcards. By using the blank part 116 as a binding margin of the colorcards, binding the color cards without damaging the color samples can beachieved.

It is preferable that there are at least two such blank parts 116. Then,one of the blank part 116 can be used for creating a color book whichbinds plural number of color cards, while the other of the blank part116 is used for handling the color cards.

FIG. 7 shows a color card 111 comprising the basic color sample 112 inthe middle part of the color card 111, three auxiliary color samples 113a-113 c on one side of the basic color sample 112, and three emphaticcolor samples 114 a-114 c on the other side of the basic color sample112. The basic color sample 112 occupies a larger space than the colorsamples expressing the other colors, and the emphatic color samples 114a-114 c comprise the smallest space.

By arranging the basic color sample 112 in the middle part of the colorcard, it is easier for the user to select plural number of auxiliary andemphatic colors corresponding to the basic color, which are harmoniousto each other. Also, the color card 111 can comprise many color samples.

Generally, a plurality of color cards as described above are providedfor selection of colors. Hereafter, a manner to use these color cards isexplained.

When an object to be painted is to be coated with a paint of a basiccolor, a color card is selected from the plurality of color cards basedon the basic color samples. Then, required colors are selected from theauxiliary and emphatic color samples in the selected color card.

When an object to be painted is to be coated with a paint of auxiliaryor emphatic color, a color card is selected from the plurality of colorcards based on the basic color samples. Then, a color for an object tobe painted is selected from the auxiliary and emphatic color samples inthe selected color card.

Considering the manner of use as described in the above, it ispreferable to create a color book comprising a plurality of color cards.

FIG. 8 shows a color book binding a plurality of color cards 111 shownin FIG. 7.

In this color book, the plurality of color cards 11 are bound by astopper 119. Such a color book enhances portability of plural colorcards and also allows easy selection of a color from plural colors. Thestopper 119 prevents the color book from being scattered.

In the color book shown in FIG. 8, the stopper 119 is positionedapproximately in the middle of the blank part 116 in one end of thecolor card 111. The stopper 119 can be positioned anywhere as long as itis within the blank part 116. Thereby, the color samples are preventedfrom damages which may result from the binding.

In addition, binding at one position allows the color cards 111 to fanout as shown in FIG. 8. Viewing of the color cards becomes easy, and themanner of color selection is simplified.

It is preferable that the color cards which constitute a color book areclassified into groups by impressions received from the colors indicatedby one of the basic color samples, auxiliary color samples and emphaticcolor samples.

Such grouping may expedite color selection. This grouping can beperformed, for example, per types of hues such as red, blue, etc., peratmospheres created by the colors such as natural, modern, classic,etc., or per brightness in color tones such as neutral, dull, bright,etc.

Providing a color book comprising the color cards grouped perimpressions received from colors as above allows the user to select acolor by the impression received from the imaged color tone andexpedites color selection.

It is further preferable that a color book is a collection of theaforementioned grouped color cards. Such a color book is advantageous tothe user who has no specifically imaged color tone. Since more colortones are collected and grouped per impressions, the user can firstselect a group to narrow down the color tones by the impressions,roughly select one color card based on the light color samples in thecolor cards in the selected group, and then select a color from thecolor samples in the selected color card.

The collection of the grouped color books, for example, may be in theform of one color book binding the respective grouped color books with astopper or the like, or may be packed into a container all together. Theuser can arbitrarily choose a preferred form.

Third Embodiment

Terms to be used in the present embodiment are explained hereafter.

A color card of the present embodiment comprises a picture which depictsnature, figures and artificial objects, together with a plurality ofpainted samples.

The picture which depicts nature in the present embodiment correspondsto views, including birds-eye views, insects-eye views, microscopicviews, etc., of scenery such as mountains, rivers, woods, oceans andskies, as well as plants and animals. As to figures, dressed and nakedpersons, a body as a whole or any body part, a mass of people, etc. areall included. Persons can be in any posture like standing or lying,sitting on chairs, exercising, etc. Artificial objects include anyindustrial goods like machines, instruments, furniture, clothes,vehicles, ships, houses, buildings, structures, etc. They also includeartifacts, paintings, photos and their replicas.

Such nature, figures and artificial objects may exist independently orin combination with each other. In either way, they can be utilized assample pictures of the present embodiment. For example, the compositionof a picture having persons in a natural scene produces a combination offigures and nature. Such a picture may be recognized as a sample pictureof either nature or of figures, depending on which of the componentsconstitutes the theme of the picture.

The paintings in the present embodiment include those of figures andscenery, or those created by imagination. Any available techniques suchas water painting, oil painting, engraving, etching, screen printing,etc. can be used for creation of such paintings. Paintings are notsuitable for industrial production, and thus, for use as picture samplesof the present embodiment. The photos are more practical for use.

The photos in the present embodiment are those of nature, figures,artificial objects or a combination of the foregoing. They can be thosetaken by film or digital cameras, those printed to printed paper orcopies of the printed photos.

The plurality of painted samples express colors corresponding to aplurality of colors which constitute the aforesaid picture sample.Accordingly, a black and white painting is not regarded as a picture inthis case. There are variations in size and spatial relationship betweenthe picture sample and painted samples. The size and spatialrelationship can be determined at the disposal of the designers of thecolor card. In one of the following examples, a picture sample isarranged in an end and five painted samples are arranged in theremaining space in a rectangular color card. In another example, apicture sample is arranged at a position of one-third length of arectangular color card from an end thereof. A painted sample expressinga basic color is arranged in one of the remaining space which is narrow,and four painted samples respectively expressing either auxiliary oremphatic colors are arranged in the other of the remaining space whichis wide.

Two to six painted samples may be provided for one picture sample,preferably two to four painted samples for one picture sample. Whatcolors are expressed in the respective painted samples is determineddepending on how much space in the picture is occupied in total by therespective colors. Usually, the color occupying 50-80% in area in thepicture is set to be a basic color, the color occupying 10-35% is set tobe auxiliary colors, and the color occupying 1-15% is set to be emphaticcolors. If the comparison by the occupying space is difficult, then acolor having low brightness and/or saturation may be chosen as a basiccolor.

Generally, the basic color is a key color of the overall picture, theauxiliary colors are colors different from the basic color, and whichintroduce changes to the picture, and the emphatic colors are colorswhich strengthen the impression of the picture. It may be difficult tosort out colors which constitute a picture into three to six colors.However, if a basic color is selected, deeper or lighter colors than thebasic color can be selected as the auxiliary colors. Ordinarily, if thebasic color is a deep color, that is, having low brightness and/or highsaturation, the auxiliary colors have higher brightness and/or lowersaturation than the basic color. On the contrary, if the basic color isa light color, that is, having high brightness and/or low saturation,the auxiliary colors have lower brightness and/or higher saturation. Inthis case, the hue of the auxiliary colors is the same as, or is closeto, the hue of the basic color.

The emphatic colors are colors which put the accent in the picture.Therefore, if the picture is constituted with the similar hues, theemphatic colors have lower brightness and/or higher saturation, orhigher brightness and/or lower saturation than the auxiliary colors. Ifthe picture is constituted with various hues, the emphatic colors arechosen from colors which are regarded as contrastive as possible to thehues of the basic color and auxiliary colors. In any event, the emphaticcolors are selected from the colors which make a large difference innumerical values, assuming that these colors are numerically expressed,from the basic and auxiliary colors.

One basic color painted sample is provided for one picture. On the otherhand, it is preferable that two or three auxiliary and emphatic colorpainted samples are provided for one picture. Color selection may bedifficult if more than three auxiliary and emphatic color samples areprovided. A range of 2-3 is the most suitable for color selection.

A color book can be a sheet of cardboard or a series of cardboards inwhich a plurality of the aforementioned color cards are arranged. Thecolor book is suitable for actual color selection since it can offervarious harmonious colors which may appear appropriate to an object tobe painted. For example, if the color book is constituted from a sheetof cardboard, plurality sets of picture and painted samples for a colorcard may be arranged per row or column.

The color book as described in the above helps the user to selectharmonious colors since a picture sample comprising the colors forchoices is also shown to the user.

Now, the present embodiment is described in detail by way of drawings.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a color card 210. The color card 210comprises a picture of a mountain scene in the leftmost side. To thenext to the picture, the color card 210 also comprises, from the lefttoward the right side, a basic color painted sample being light bluishgray in a range of 2.5PB hue, an auxiliary color painted sample beingfresh green which is classified into soft yellowish green of 5G hue, anemphatic color painted sample being yellowish green classified into darkgreen of 5GY hue, and an auxiliary color painted sample being lightbluish purple of 10PB hue. In FIG. 9, the reference number 201 indicatesthe colored picture, the reference number 202 indicates the basic colorpainted sample, the reference number 203 indicates the auxiliary colorpainted sample, the reference number 204 indicates the emphatic colorpainted sample, and the reference number 210 indicates the color card. Aphoto is glued to the color card to make a picture sample, and a paperis painted with an emulsion paint of a predetermined color and is gluedto the color card to make a painted sample. In the figures, ‘P’indicates “picture”, ‘B’ indicates “basic color”, ‘A’ indicates“auxiliary color”, and ‘E’ indicates “emphatic color”.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a color card having another arrangement ofsamples as a first modification. The color card comprises, from the lefttoward the right side, a basic color painted sample, a picture showing ablooming water lily, an auxiliary color painted sample, an emphaticcolor painted sample, an auxiliary color painted sample, and an emphaticcolor painted sample. The colors of the painted samples are, from leftto right, light yellowish green of 7.5GY hue, light yellowish green of10GY hue, deep yellowish green of 10GY hue, light purple of 7.5P hue,vivid purple of 7.5P hue. Proofs are created from a photo and printed tomake a picture, and a paper is painted with an emulsion paint of apredetermined color and is glued to the color card to make a paintedcolor sample.

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a color card having another arrangement ofsamples as a second modification. This color card comprises, from theleft toward the right side, an emphatic color painted sample, a basiccolor painted sample, an emphatic color painted sample, an auxiliarycolor painted sample, an auxiliary color painted sample and a picture ofsunset clouds. The colors of the painted samples are, from left toright, indigo blue classified into dark blue of 2.5PB hue, light reddishpurple of hue 5RP hue, dark reddish blue of 5RP hue, dull reddish purpleof 5RP hue, and dull blue of 10B hue. In this modification, arrangementof the emphatic colors on both sides of the basic color helps the userto determine the combination of colors. Proofs are created from a photoand printed to make a picture, and a paper is painted with an emulsionpaint of a predetermined color and is glued to the color card to make apainted color sample.

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a color book as a third modification. Awhole color book is indicated by the reference number 220. In thisexample, the color book is a sheet of cardboard comprising six colorcards. Each picture is arranged in the leftmost row, and basic,auxiliary and emphatic color samples are randomly arranged to the rightof the picture. The basic color sample is arranged in neither of theends in order to simplify comparison between the basic color and theother auxiliary and emphatic colors.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a color book 220 of anothermodification. The color book 220 comprises a series of rectangular colorcards totaling to ten. There is a blank portion on one end of each colorcard, within which a hole to bind ten color cards is created. The colorcards are bound with a stopper, and it is possible to fan out therequired or desired cards at desired angles for comparison.

A color card in the present embodiment can comprise a photo as apicture. Photos can show real colors of nature, etc. as we find them.Photos allow the user to select harmonious colors based on a particularimage.

Accuracy of the displayed colors is very important upon presentation ofcolors. Printing of silver films or printing by color printers does notreproduce colors perfectly. The color samples of the present embodimentare prepared by painting emulsion paint on paper. A range of colors tobe managed by the paints is fixed and narrow. By painting and drying thepaints on paper, it is possible to obtain accurately reproduced colors.

It is possible to arrange a basic color and emphatic colors such thatthe basic color is in the middle and the emphatic colors are on bothsides of the basic color.

There is usually a harmony between the basic and emphatic colors in thattheir hues or tones are contrastive to each other. Arranging theemphatic colors right next to the basic color allows the user to checkthe combination and also helps the user to grasp an image for colorplanning.

The aforementioned color book can display plural sets of color cards ona sheet of cardboard. This allows the user to fix a color as one of thebasic, auxiliary and emphatic colors to an object to be painted andchoose the other desired colors.

In addition to the above description, further modifications as in thefollowing can be made.

The color card can be in a rectangular form, which makes the color cardeasy to carry or store. The above color card can have a blank part ineither end or both ends thereof. This blank part can be a margin forbinding a plurality of color cards or a part to be touched by the userso as not to dirty color samples therein.

Color cards with a margin can be bound easily to make a color book. Acolor book constituted from rectangular-shaped color cards is easy tocarry and saves space for storage. Also, one-sided binding allows theuser to compare only several color cards the user wishes to view byfanning out the same at appropriate angles.

It is possible to indicate descriptions of colors of painted samplesarranged in a color card on the back of the color card or on anotherpaper or the like having the same shape as the color card. Thedescriptions include the name, derivation, tone series, JISbrightness/saturation range and the color according to the Munsell colorsystem. The name of the color can be expressed by ISCC-NBS color name,systematic color name (Japan Color Enterprise Co., Ltd.), JIS generalcolor name, idiomatic color name, traditional color name, colorant name,etc.

The color card with the color description expands a scope of selectionby color name (e.g. image building) and provides a selection criterion(e.g. selection of colors having the same tone or colors belonging to aspecific tone) to the user.

The pictures in the color cards may only include specific pictures, suchas of nature. The pictures of nature help the user to select colorswhich harmonize with the surroundings, when the color cards are used fordetermining colors for the interior or exterior of buildings, interiorfurnishings, decoration or outdoor structures. The pictures of naturehave colors familiar to the eyes, and they offer no discomfort incombinations of the basic, auxiliary and emphatic colors.

The pictures in the color cards may only include paintings or photos bya particular author. Frequently, the authors have their favored colorsin their works. The pictures of a particular author are helpful todetermine the colors of interior fittings of a space where thosepictures are to be displayed. Because the basic, auxiliary and emphaticcolors of the pictures can be indicated in the color cards.

It is possible to create a color book which can be folded. It is alsopossible to create a color book, in each page of which several sets ofcolor cards are collectively arranged. This allows the user to view manycolor samples at a glance. If the color cards of the present embodimentare classified into groups based on the pictures and nicely arranged perpage, selection of colors can be further advantageous for the user.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A color card with picture sample, comprising acolored picture and a plurality of painted samples corresponding to aplurality of colors which constitute the colored picture.
 15. A colorcard with picture sample wherein the colored picture set forth in claim14 expresses nature, figures, artificial objects, or combination of theforegoing.
 16. A color card with picture sample wherein the coloredpicture as set forth in claim 14 is a photo.
 17. A color card withpicture sample wherein the painted samples as set forth in claim 14express basic, auxiliary and emphatic colors.
 18. A color bookcomprising plural sets of colored picture and plurality of paintedsamples set forth in claim 14 which are arranged in one cardboard or ina series of cardboards.
 19. The color book as set forth in claim 18wherein basic colors of the colored pictures in the color book have thesimilar color tones.